[wpramazon asin=”B0043AT7AM”]
[wpramazon asin=”B0043B3DH4″]
[wprebay kw=”sony+alpha+a33″ num=”0″ ebcat=”293″] [wprebay kw=”sony+alpha+a33″ num=”1″ ebcat=”293″]
Simon Yates Photography
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The Sony A33 Not Perfect But Close,
First of all this camera is a great movie camera with continuous auto focus and an good photo camera.
The reason I say good and not great is because if you intend on shooting in any of the 3 auto modes you are not going to get great photos the same as you would get with a Canon T1I, T2i or canon G10. But the photos are more predictable in auto than with the Canon’s
The kit lens is good, does not have much range but works well even though its a cheap kit lens. Better than the t2i
The body is plastic therefore light
The fold down LCD is a winner although a little small.
Viewfinder is a real treat giving you the same read out info as the LCD
Switches automatically back and forth from LCD to viewfinder as you place your eye close or take it away from the viewfinder.
Or you can easily switch between LCD screen and viewfinder by pushing the LCD/viewfinder button.
If you have a big lens or a lens hood the flash may cast a shadow in your photo
I have large hands but the body is very comfortable to hold
Controls are easy to reach but again these cameras are are far to complicated than they need to be need, but that is where technology takes you.
I did not see the battery life as being an issue – My G10 is much better.
Charging takes 4 hours per battery so get yourself a another battery and maybe an extra charger.
I specifically bought the a33 because I did not want the GPS sucking the life out of my battery as I learned on a Panasonic Z10.
My travels do not take to normal tourist data base gps way points so I felt it was of no use to me. Another thing to break down
Used Minolta AF lenses work great and are half the price as new Sony ones and are of equal or superior quality. Many of the Sony lenses on Amazon are just rebranded Minolta lenses.
The a33 and a55 uses Steadytshot an in camera stabilization
Lenses for this camera are not stabilized which is good and bad
Good because the lenses are cheaper and lighter
Bad because the stabilization in the camera is not as reliable as say Canon
When you take a photo you cannot just press the shutter all the way down quickly.
You have to press halfway wait for the steadyshot indicator to drop to one bar, wait for the focus beep and then press all the way
Canon seems quicker?
The A33 could be less noisier (photo wise not sound wise) than the a55 because it packs less pixels on the same size sensor
An Azden SMX-10 mic $65 from Amazon is a great accessory. It takes the mic out of the body to minimize the focus noise of the lenses and adds stereo.
Alert the hot shoe on this camera is a proprietary one meaning you need an adapter to hook on a regular shoal For $12 the Seagull SC-5 Hot Shoe Adapter to Standard Flash Shoe with PC Connection – for Konica Minolta Maxxum & Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras works from Amazon
At about 10 minutes of using the video it shuts down from overheating and you cannot film until it cools and then it will only go for a few minutes and will shut down again. I luckily only shoot short clips so its not an issue but Sony made a statement below.
Sony has issued a statement concerning an overheating issue with the new Sony A55 and A33 translucent mirror cameras.
The problem arises from the CMOS sensor overheating in certain temperature ranges. Sony has put together a chart that provides an idea of max recording times under certain environmental conditions. You can check it out on the web. They have no solution only shoot less than 10 minutes with stabilization on.
Image stabilization is a big problem for shooting long clips.
5D Mark II and 7D cameras shutdown from overheating also so it’s nothing unique to Sony.
This review could also be for the a55 since they are almost identical except for a55 —
* gives you faster continuous shooting,
* GPS
* higher megapixel.
* price
and a few other minor things
I have come to admire this little piece of techno. I have so many Minolta lenses that I purchased from ebay that I have purchased a second a33 so I must give it a 5 although there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect.
On Ebay you can get a
Minolta 50MM F/1.7 prime for circa $73
Minolta 100 mm f/2.8 Macro The sharpest lens Minolta has ever made for less than $300
Minolta 100-300 APO Zoom $220
Be careful of the new 8mm Fisheye from Korea that is marketed for Sony under different names for $230-$330 It is not compatible with a33 or a55
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|Sony a33 review from a Canon 7D user – New technology with functional shortfalls,
I’ve been using the a33 for about a week now, rigorously testing all aspects of the camera as well as pushing the new tech (SLT) to its limits in both video and high-speed shooting. I consider myself a prosumer, currently using Canon 7D. In fact, I’ve been using canon for the past 10 years. With the recent hype about large sensor video functionality found on almost all new releases, I found myself craving for a more functional AF in DSLRs. Because I’m no pro videographer, manual focusing (follow focusing) is terribly difficult for me, especially for high speed, erratic subjects like my kids running around the backyard. And contrast AF found on most DSLRs is a joke. Then came the SLT technology. A fixed mirror that feeds AF data constantly to dedicated AF sensor full-time, even when shooting video. For the price comparable with other entry-level DSLR’s, it sounded like a worthy investment. And being able to shoot 7fps (10fps for a55) with that constant phase-detection AF on a body that sells for 650 – certainly a head-turner if you’ve been following the DSLR trends the past couple of years.
Well, Sony was able to deliver most of its promises. And I was pleasantly surprised by its PDAF video capability. However, as with all things in life, all that glitters is not gold. There are certainly limitations with this camera, especially noticeable/annoying if you’re a prosumer level user. I will not go into details about the specs. Those can be found by just googling “sony a33”. And I will not go into in-depth review either. Probably the best source for that is dpreview.com or imaging-resource.com. I will only list the limitations I found using this camera from a user who’s been using Canon line (currently the 7D). Don’t get me wrong. Overall the camera does deliver in most everything it promises to do (and thus, 4 star rating). All the positives have been pointed out over and over again on various reviews you read online, so I just don’t feel the need to repeat them again. I just wanted to point out the major issues that I experienced first-hand. These might be of significance to those who are thinking about getting this camera based on its new technology (like me).
1) First and foremost, battery life is a joke. I guess because the camera is on a live view mode full time, it is inevitable to use up more power than traditional dslr, but sony should’ve took this into consideration. On paper, a33 is rated to take about 340 images using the LCD (about 270 with EVF), but with a little bit of video and looking through the menus to setup different functions, the battery gets drained VERY VERY QUICKLY. how bad? On a fully charged battery, I’ve turned on the camera, set the time/date/location info, entered my shooting preference, then took the first shot and about 40 sec video. It was at 83%. Not kidding. After about 2 hours of intense use, it was pretty much depleted. That’s how fast the power goes. But YMMV since battery life depends on a lot of different factors. I never really had to think about whether my particular way of shooting would use up more power than necessary because all of the DSLR’s I’ve used to date, I never once had to worry about draining the power quickly. But now its just one more thing I need to keep in mind. Another thing to keep in mind is that this battery takes about 4 to 4.5 hrs to fully recharge, much longer than most others.
2) No dedicated RAW/JPEG conversion. If you’re moving up from compact and only use JPEG, this is a non-issue. But if you are half serious about your IQ and PP, then you’ll most likely want to use RAW. The reason why a dedicated button to switch RAW/JPEG is so important, IMO, is because all of the fancy new modes – Auto HDR, Panorama, Handheld Twilight mode, high ISO capture – can only be accessed in JPEGs only. Either Sony should include these potentially useful functions in RAW, or at the very least should include a dedicated button to swtich format quickly and efficiently. For me to access sweep panorama, for example, would require me a minimum of 12 button presses. Another thing to keep in mind is that the menu always defaults to the first part of the shooting menu every time. It does not stay at the menu you last used as with Canon cameras. So if the section that you use is hidden inside the middle part of the menu, you are out of luck. Every time you enter into the menu system, you’ll have to start from the top (beginning) then move into the section/option you want to change.
– Steadyshot (in-body image stabilization). Coming from Canon where IS is on the lens (and therefore, the effect can be viewed through OVF), I was skeptical of Pentax, Sony, Olympus and other camera makers that place IS function on the imaging sensor itself. Whether one is superior than the other is a whole different topic of discussion. Knowing that a33/a55 is EVF/LCD, I automatically assumed that…
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|The Sony A33 Not Perfect But Close,
First of all this camera is a great movie camera with continuous auto focus and an good photo camera.
The reason I say good and not great is because if you intend on shooting in any of the 3 auto modes you are not going to get great photos the same as you would get with a Canon T1I, T2i or canon G10. But the photos are more predictable in auto than with the Canon’s
The kit lens is good, does not have much range but works well even though its a cheap kit lens. Better than the t2i
The body is plastic therefore light
The fold down LCD is a winner although a little small.
Viewfinder is a real treat giving you the same read out info as the LCD
Switches automatically back and forth from LCD to viewfinder as you place your eye close or take it away from the viewfinder.
Or you can easily switch between LCD screen and viewfinder by pushing the LCD/viewfinder button.
If you have a big lens or a lens hood the flash may cast a shadow in your photo
I have large hands but the body is very comfortable to hold
Controls are easy to reach but again these cameras are are far to complicated than they need to be need, but that is where technology takes you.
I did not see the battery life as being an issue – My G10 is much better.
Charging takes 4 hours per battery so get yourself a another battery and maybe an extra charger.
I specifically bought the a33 because I did not want the GPS sucking the life out of my battery as I learned on a Panasonic Z10.
My travels do not take to normal tourist data base gps way points so I felt it was of no use to me. Another thing to break down
Used Minolta AF lenses work great and are half the price as new Sony ones and are of equal or superior quality. Many of the Sony lenses on Amazon are just rebranded Minolta lenses.
The a33 and a55 uses Steadytshot an in camera stabilization
Lenses for this camera are not stabilized which is good and bad
Good because the lenses are cheaper and lighter
Bad because the stabilization in the camera is not as reliable as say Canon
When you take a photo you cannot just press the shutter all the way down quickly.
You have to press halfway wait for the steadyshot indicator to drop to one bar, wait for the focus beep and then press all the way
Canon seems quicker?
The A33 could be less noisier (photo wise not sound wise) than the a55 because it packs less pixels on the same size sensor
An Azden SMX-10 mic $65 from Amazon is a great accessory. It takes the mic out of the body to minimize the focus noise of the lenses and adds stereo.
Alert the hot shoe on this camera is a proprietary one meaning you need an adapter to hook on a regular shoal For $12 the Seagull SC-5 Hot Shoe Adapter to Standard Flash Shoe with PC Connection – for Konica Minolta Maxxum & Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras works from Amazon
At about 10 minutes of using the video it shuts down from overheating and you cannot film until it cools and then it will only go for a few minutes and will shut down again. I luckily only shoot short clips so its not an issue but Sony made a statement below.
Sony has issued a statement concerning an overheating issue with the new Sony A55 and A33 translucent mirror cameras.
The problem arises from the CMOS sensor overheating in certain temperature ranges. Sony has put together a chart that provides an idea of max recording times under certain environmental conditions. You can check it out on the web. They have no solution only shoot less than 10 minutes with stabilization on.
Image stabilization is a big problem for shooting long clips.
5D Mark II and 7D cameras shutdown from overheating also so it’s nothing unique to Sony.
This review could also be for the a55 since they are almost identical except for a55 —
* gives you faster continuous shooting,
* GPS
* higher megapixel.
* price
and a few other minor things
I have come to admire this little piece of techno. I have so many Minolta lenses that I purchased from ebay that I have purchased a second a33 so I must give it a 5 although there is always room for improvement and nothing is perfect.
On Ebay you can get a
Minolta 50MM F/1.7 prime for circa $73
Minolta 100 mm f/2.8 Macro The sharpest lens Minolta has ever made for less than $300
Minolta 100-300 APO Zoom $220
Be careful of the new 8mm Fisheye from Korea that is marketed for Sony under different names for $230-$330 It is not compatible with a33 or a55
0
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|Sony a33 review from a Canon 7D user – New technology with functional shortfalls,
I’ve been using the a33 for about a week now, rigorously testing all aspects of the camera as well as pushing the new tech (SLT) to its limits in both video and high-speed shooting. I consider myself a prosumer, currently using Canon 7D. In fact, I’ve been using canon for the past 10 years. With the recent hype about large sensor video functionality found on almost all new releases, I found myself craving for a more functional AF in DSLRs. Because I’m no pro videographer, manual focusing (follow focusing) is terribly difficult for me, especially for high speed, erratic subjects like my kids running around the backyard. And contrast AF found on most DSLRs is a joke. Then came the SLT technology. A fixed mirror that feeds AF data constantly to dedicated AF sensor full-time, even when shooting video. For the price comparable with other entry-level DSLR’s, it sounded like a worthy investment. And being able to shoot 7fps (10fps for a55) with that constant phase-detection AF on a body that sells for 650 – certainly a head-turner if you’ve been following the DSLR trends the past couple of years.
Well, Sony was able to deliver most of its promises. And I was pleasantly surprised by its PDAF video capability. However, as with all things in life, all that glitters is not gold. There are certainly limitations with this camera, especially noticeable/annoying if you’re a prosumer level user. I will not go into details about the specs. Those can be found by just googling “sony a33”. And I will not go into in-depth review either. Probably the best source for that is dpreview.com or imaging-resource.com. I will only list the limitations I found using this camera from a user who’s been using Canon line (currently the 7D). Don’t get me wrong. Overall the camera does deliver in most everything it promises to do (and thus, 4 star rating). All the positives have been pointed out over and over again on various reviews you read online, so I just don’t feel the need to repeat them again. I just wanted to point out the major issues that I experienced first-hand. These might be of significance to those who are thinking about getting this camera based on its new technology (like me).
1) First and foremost, battery life is a joke. I guess because the camera is on a live view mode full time, it is inevitable to use up more power than traditional dslr, but sony should’ve took this into consideration. On paper, a33 is rated to take about 340 images using the LCD (about 270 with EVF), but with a little bit of video and looking through the menus to setup different functions, the battery gets drained VERY VERY QUICKLY. how bad? On a fully charged battery, I’ve turned on the camera, set the time/date/location info, entered my shooting preference, then took the first shot and about 40 sec video. It was at 83%. Not kidding. After about 2 hours of intense use, it was pretty much depleted. That’s how fast the power goes. But YMMV since battery life depends on a lot of different factors. I never really had to think about whether my particular way of shooting would use up more power than necessary because all of the DSLR’s I’ve used to date, I never once had to worry about draining the power quickly. But now its just one more thing I need to keep in mind. Another thing to keep in mind is that this battery takes about 4 to 4.5 hrs to fully recharge, much longer than most others.
2) No dedicated RAW/JPEG conversion. If you’re moving up from compact and only use JPEG, this is a non-issue. But if you are half serious about your IQ and PP, then you’ll most likely want to use RAW. The reason why a dedicated button to switch RAW/JPEG is so important, IMO, is because all of the fancy new modes – Auto HDR, Panorama, Handheld Twilight mode, high ISO capture – can only be accessed in JPEGs only. Either Sony should include these potentially useful functions in RAW, or at the very least should include a dedicated button to swtich format quickly and efficiently. For me to access sweep panorama, for example, would require me a minimum of 12 button presses. Another thing to keep in mind is that the menu always defaults to the first part of the shooting menu every time. It does not stay at the menu you last used as with Canon cameras. So if the section that you use is hidden inside the middle part of the menu, you are out of luck. Every time you enter into the menu system, you’ll have to start from the top (beginning) then move into the section/option you want to change.
– Steadyshot (in-body image stabilization). Coming from Canon where IS is on the lens (and therefore, the effect can be viewed through OVF), I was skeptical of Pentax, Sony, Olympus and other camera makers that place IS function on the imaging sensor itself. Whether one is superior than the other is a whole different topic of discussion. Knowing that a33/a55 is EVF/LCD, I automatically assumed that…
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|Maybe one of the best entry level SLR out there,
Pros:
+Image is way better then my old 6mp D40 in indoor lower lighting. Also the Macro feature is better then the D40, I can get closer on the A33. The focus is faster and is able to lock in on closer thing and under lower light. (see my sample image uploaded)
+Panoramic stitching option is cool, don’t need a 3rd party software, don’t have a 3d tv to test the 3D feature.
+I like the leveler a lot, older camera didn’t really have this, but most new one do.
+The buttons are very responsive and not hard to push like on some camera.
+Movie mode is phenomenal. When you move around the autofocus is very fast, because of the Translucent Mirror technology. I have shaky hands, so I hope it had a little better stabilizer, but is on par with Panasonic camcorder. 1980x1080i (60i) AVCHD and 1440x1080p (30fps), The higher resolution does look better. I haven’t edit anything, but both modes were playable on my laptop and better on my PlayStation 3. (See the comment line below to the link of my test youtube upload.)
+microphone input for movie mode.
+About the same size or smaller then the D40
+Built in image stabilizer, so Sony lenses are not as expansive as Nikon or other, since you don’t need built in VR. (I can’t live without VR)
+Live View looks very good and the screen can pivot and turn from the bottom.
+Translucent Mirror can create 7fps for A33 and 10fps in the A55 which is amazingly fast and usually found on DSLR in the 2k.
+Also without the mirror flipping up there should be less or no dust getting onto the APS-C HD CMOS sensor.
+I found the color to be accurate, and similar to my Nikon. I had a cybershot once that make color look more vivid, but not as real.
Cons:
-Too many sub-menus, since there are a lot of options and mode. I wished they just added more external buttons. Nikon and most older Sony scene settings, like landscape, portrait, macro, etc. are on the dial, here you have to use the sub-menu. Also wished there was a scroll wheel for both aperture and shutter speed, but there is only one.
-View finder is also digital, since it isn’t like a typical mirror SLR. Live view will drain battery faster than the basic prism view finder.
-You can hear the auto-focus in general and movie recording.
-Sony needs to step it up and include 1980x1080p at yeast 24fps like most other DSLR.
Neutral
-It is very light compared to Nikon, built quality feels good.
-Auto HDR, it layers 3 photos into one to get a better photo, no plan to use it much.
Typical features input/output: hdmi, usb, sd card
-29min max movie clip(most DSLR don’t have built-in fan to cool the sensor down)
-No GPS here, yes on A55. Nice to have, but doesn’t matter much.
I came away very impressed. This is a must buy if you are new to DSLR. Most camera sites gave this/A55 a great review. It takes great photo easy and the video is good enough, not perfect, but still better than any Canon or Nikon in this price range. I just have too many lenses from Nikon to switch to Sony. But if the D7000 is not too much better, I’ll just get this and the18-200mm lenses, which still be 150 cheaper than the D7000 (I know D700 focus and ISO are much better). Most cameras at similar price range takes great picture, it is the interface and option is what keep most people loyal to one brand, and I still like Nikon interface.
Sony A33=to Sony A560, Same specs but the A33 has a Translucent Mirror the other is normal SLR, same as Sony A55= Sony A580.
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